The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has warned consumers not to assume that products in Australian retailers are safe, especially when it comes to cots. The organisation quoted figures from consumer lobby group CHOICE, which tested 139 cots between 2012–2017 and found that 68 per cent failed safety standards. CHOICE said that the government’s approach was to wait until one of these products causes serious injury or death before making the new standard mandatory. “In the past twelve months alone there have been nine recalls of cots sold both in store and online,” AFA CEO Patrizia Torelli said. “The risk of non-compliant, dangerous products being sold to unsuspecting consumers is higher when the products are not tested or labelled appropriately.” Ms Torelli provided these tips for prospective cot purchasers: See the list of cots that failed the safety tests at choice.com.au or australianfurniture.org.au

Majority of cots fail safety standards

Check your cot is safe: “In the past twelve months alone there have been nine recalls of cots sold both in store and online,” AFA CEO Patrizia Torelli said.

The Australian Furniture Association (AFA) has warned consumers not to assume that products in Australian retailers are safe, especially when it comes to cots.

The organisation quoted figures from consumer lobby group CHOICE, which tested 139 cots between 2012–2017 and found that 68 per cent failed safety standards. CHOICE said that the government’s approach was to wait until one of these products causes serious injury or death before making the new standard mandatory.

“In the past twelve months alone there have been nine recalls of cots sold both in store and online,” AFA CEO Patrizia Torelli said.

“The risk of non-compliant, dangerous products being sold to unsuspecting consumers is higher when the products are not tested or labelled appropriately.”

Ms Torelli provided these tips for prospective cot purchasers:

Only buy from reputable and knowledgeable suppliers and retailers.

Look for the Australasian Furnishing Association Member mark.

Check that furniture meets Australian Standards NOT international standards.

Look for furniture that comes with safety information and meets the Australian Consumer Law in relation to Warranties.

Look for the AFA Member approved Warning Labels as specified in AS/NZS Standards.